Country crooner brings Christmas spirit to Connecticut

Christina Hennessy, Staff Writer

Published 6:06 pm, Tuesday, December 13, 2011

A light dusting of snow on the ground was putting Kenny Rogers in a holiday mood last week, as he continued his swing through several Southern states before heading north on his 30th anniversary 2011 Christmas & Hits Tour.

It was the first time this year that he had seen snow, "so it feels like Christmas," he said during a phone interview

Nearly every night for the past three weeks, Rogers and his crew have evoked Christmas spirit on stage, teaming holiday favorites with his list of hits.

That tour makes a stop in Connecticut on Saturday, Dec. 17, when Rogers, special guest Billy Dean, a stage full of musicians and area singers come together on the MGM Grand Theater stage at Foxwoods Casino Resort.

"It's one of my favorite places in the world," said Rogers, 73, of Foxwoods. "We always look forward to coming there."

Rogers said the experience was a rich one in many ways, not the least of which was having time to spend with people who have become his friends over the years.

"To be able to sit for two days with Dolly and Lionel and Smokey was really a personal thrill," he said. "Musically, it was spectacular."

Collaborations have marked some of his greatest successes, such as the hit "Islands in the Stream," with Parton, and the 1980 single, "Lady," written and produced by Richie.

They are among his 24 No. 1 hits, which also include "Lucille," the hit that launched his solo career; "The Gambler," which launched a television miniseries; and "She Believes in Me."

Rogers may be known for his country hits, but the Houston, Texas, native has found success in multiple genres, from jazz to folk, and from rock to pop. And, earlier this year, he released his first gospel album, "The Love of God."

As for the coming year, Rogers said he has signed a deal with Warner Brothers for an album. "We'll see if I can get another hit," he said. He holds the honor of being the only artist to have a record on the charts in each of the past six decades.

Rogers began his musical career in the mid-1950s, with the rockabilly group called the Scholars. He then moved on to jazz with the Bobby Doyle Trio, took on folk with the New Christy Minstrels and began to hit his stride with the First Edition, which had the hit "I Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)."

"There are two halves," Rogers said of the show. "First, it's all the hits. Every hit you've ever dreamed I've had. Then, we take a break and come back and it's all Christmas."

When asked whether he had a favorite holiday song, Rogers said "Mary, Did You Know," a song he has performed with Judd, was one of the "most incredible pieces of music" he ever heard.

Rogers said the audience members certainly have their favorites, too, which often are given their power by the many voices on stage. At every stop, he teams up with a local organization, as well as several young performers.

For his Foxwoods stop, Rogers will be backed by the Richard Gard Singers, who are into their seventh show with Rogers.

"We'll bring 30, but it will sound like 90," said Richard Gard, who conducts the group. He also is director of music at the St. Thomas More Chapel at Yale University.

"(Rogers has) got a fabulous voice; he's very friendly and open; and the group is very relaxed on stage," Gard said. "To sing in front of tens of thousands of people pouring out love like that -- it's a buzz that lasts a day or two."

When asked whether his family memories included a lot of singing, Rogers laughed.

"I will go on record saying my mom was the worst singer I ever heard in my life," he said. "But my dad played fiddle, so the desire and will to play must have been hidden in there someplace."

Rogers may have found his mother's singing ability lacking, but it was clear he was proud of the lessons he learned as a child. In fact, it was the frequent trips to church that first brought him in contact with gospel music, which he features during a segment in the show.

"My mom told me once when I was a kid ... you can never be more of an adult than what's put into you as a child. I feel the same about my kids," Rogers said.

The tour wraps up Dec. 23, and he said he's looking forward to getting back to his family. He lives in Atlanta with his wife, Wanda, and his 7-year-old twin sons.

"We do get together as a family," he said. "We keep the story of the Christ child alive."

A musical gift

Rogers is offering a gift this holiday season. Visit Kenny123.com and he will send you a free download of a song.